Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear

1 John 4: God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. ¹⁷ Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.

 

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Going out to play, I did not notice the door was broken, causing it to slam. “Stop slamming the door please” was the statement given to me that was easy to do. But when I was older and wanted to “sneak” back into the house after being out all night, I carefully placed the key in the door and gently opened it so it would not make any noise. I was met with “Who do you think you are?’

 

• I did not notice the door when I was doing something that was harmless.
• I did not even think about the door when I was enjoying myself the way I was expected to.
• I feared getting caught doing something I was not supposed to be doing, so I feared making noise with the door.

 

John attempted to address the fear of consequence. He started off by explaining that GOD is love. This is an important statement, because many may have focused on GOD dishing out wrath. He explained that by living a life that contains love, courage can increase and fear decrease.

 

My Observations:

• Satan wants me to live in fear, so he uses temptations that go directly against GOD to keep me wounded.
• GOD gave me HIS SON as a remedy to my sin, and by believing that I need salvation from GOD’s wrath, I can be saved from it.
• I no longer have to worry about GOD’s wrath, especially when I follow the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Motivated by love reduces my fear. I mean, when I am motivated by something that GOD will object to, I get filled with fear. I try to handle things on my own or side with people who are fumbling through life, just like me. When things still don’t appear to be going well, my fear increases. BUT GOD has a remedy to this fear.

 

Focusing on what the HOLY SPIRIT wants me to do and say, makes me change my words and even change my motive. I may not want to do something, but I will do it, if it pleases GOD. I also may want to do something that GOD does not want me to do. So by listening to the HOLY SPIRIT, I may sigh, and leave whatever that thing is alone. I am glad GOD cares about my fears and replaces them with HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain that “GOD is love?”
• Have you ever thought that GOD is out to get you because of a known or unknown sin?
• Will you find the root of your fears and see if you are missing a solid relationship with GOD?
• Will you also consider overcoming any fear you may have by placing GOD’s love into your solution today?

Fear

Fear

Acts 4: ¹⁸ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” ²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. ²² For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

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After seeing the horror movie, I was a bit shaken. I drove home and traversed the seemingly longer walk from the garage to the house. It was dark. I got my keys to the house out of my pocket in preparation for a quick entry. “Boo!” said a neighbor, who jumped from out of adjoining bushes. I ran screaming, only to hear laughter.

• There have been times when I have been afraid.
• There have been times when I could rationalize why I was afraid.
• There have been times when I was so afraid that I could not think rationally.

Peter and John were threatened by the same church leaders who had JESUS killed. This intimidation would make most people cower in fear. But Peter and John had solidified who they serve, namely JESUS. They did not walk in fear.

• GOD says to me “The only healthy fear is the fear of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM your protector, and your provider.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only salvation.”

Humans threaten life and death. BUT GOD is the only one who can fulfill it. I mean HE says “There is an appointed time for everything”, including death. Very real human threats and situations can only thwarted by GOD.

HE wants me to have healthy fear which is fear of not doing what HE says to do. HE wants me to choose HIM over anything I can grasp onto in this life. JESUS is my Savior and purpose. Whom shall I fear? I may get scared, but the spirit of fear no longer holds me.

• Are you gripped with fear that does not seem to go away?
• Are you spreading fear by calling people foolish and stating threats people face?
• Will you trade your “spirit of fear” for the “fear of the LORD” by spreading peace today?

Fear Decision Remedy

Fear Decision Remedy

John 6: ¹⁶ Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. ¹⁸ Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. ¹⁹ So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. ²⁰ But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

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After breaking the back door window, I was sentenced to my room. A neighbor questioned why I was stuck inside on this sunny day, as we held a conversation from house to house. Beckoning me to break out for a while, I slipped out to play.

When I heard my name being called, I knew I was in deeper trouble because I wasn’t supposed to be outside. I went and hid for hours. The police were called to search for me.

• When I have fear I make poor decisions.
• When I have fear I rationalize based on fearful thoughts.
• When I have fear I decide on things rapidly in hopes of getting the thing that made me fear over and done.

Dark… hurricane like winds and without JESUS, the disciples set out in a small boat towards Capernaum. This tense situation was heightened when they saw someone or something approaching them. Since it was dark, I assume what they saw was bright. It was JESUS. When HE spoke the words “It is I; do not be afraid”, they calmed down.

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid, for I AM with you.”
• GOD says to me “Slow down, come to ME and I will give you rest.”
• GOD says to me “Give ME all of your troubles, worries, fears and doubts.”

Fear decisions are the worst decisions. I mean when I am worried, I may not think as rational as I should. GOD wants me to calm down with HIM daily so I can hear HIS guidance.

HE whispers “Do not fear” to me and I can only hear it when I slow down each day. I thank GOD for being there for me when I am scared.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you make fear decisions that puts you in deeper trouble?
• Will you slow down and let GOD fill your heart with HIS peace today?

Trapped

Matthew 14: ²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

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My mind raced as I heard a noise. I paused to perk my ears like a rabbit tracking a predator. “What or even worse, who is that?” I cringed in terror. This went on for an eternal two minutes! “Hi, just checking in to see how you are doing” was the statement from my boss. I was not expecting him. My trapped feeling went away.

• Sometimes my mind conjures up the worst that could happen.
• Sometimes my mind thinks of pain and problem when facing the unknown.
• Sometimes my mind magnifies the figment of my imagination to be something bigger than it is.

Seeing a figure come out of the dark must have scared the wits out of the disciples. I mean no one had ever walked on water before so it must have been a ghost was their logic. I concur. I would have been scared too. They were not able to run or get away so the “trapped” feeling magnified their fears. I feel like that sometimes. BUT GOD wants me to fee different.

• GOD wants me to expect HIS miracles in ways I will never understand.
• GOD wants me to know HE can do anything so I need to watch for the peculiar and the norm.
• GOD wants me to “Take courage” for it is HE who calms the situation.

“Don’t be afraid” was JESUS’s calming words and HE says this to me when I get scared. HE wants me to focus on the miracle, not the problem, so I can praise HIM. Feeling trapped and scared blinds me. GOD wants me to slow down to see HIS might.

• Are you feeling trapped?
• Are you afraid?
• Can you slow down and look for GOD in the situation so HE can show you HIS miracle?

In the Way of Progress

Matthew 3: ¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

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“Traffic will hit our kids and increase crime” was the gist of my note to the mayor. It was so nice and peaceful seeing the deer and critters near our house, but the road had been planned before we got there and the neighbors and I tried to fight it. Once the road was finished, it actually saved me ten minutes off my commute. Sometimes GOD does the same.

• There are some things in life that I don’t like.
• There are some things in life that seem wrong to me.
• There are some things in life that I do not agree with but when they are in place I can see things differently.

Change is never a welcome visitor. Sometimes when I fight change, I lose sleep worrying about the future. That is my flaw. I may not see GOD in the middle of the change. John could only see his own need and argued with JESUS about not being worthy of baptizing HIM. He could not see that JESUS needed to do this in order to fulfill scripture. John was in the way of progress.

• GOD has a plan for me that sometimes seems strange.
• GOD has a plan for me that sometimes requires change.
• GOD has a plan for me that is supreme and divine.

I understand John’s hesitance. GOD asking a mere human to baptize HIM seems to be a bit strange. BUT GOD’s plan always works and sometimes my blindness to HIS plan is a deterrent. I want to play it safe instead of jumping out there and following HIM. HE wants my full attention to HIS plan without a fight. HE makes me successful.

• Are you fighting GOD on something?
• Can you learn to be content with where HE has you?
• Will you allow GOD to keep you where you are or to change you to a new place in HIS timing?

Facing Huge Challenges

Haggai 2: ⁴ But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ⁵ ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’

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Nervous about the journey I set out by myself. I had never traveled this far alone. “Which block do I turn down?” Dogs could sense my fear as I scurried past them. I made it to school safely. This was huge! Years later, with little to no counseling, I applied for college. I stood in the wrong line to sign up for classes and had no idea how to study, but somehow I made it.

Still years later I had just implemented technology to make the company more money. After the celebration, the position I held was eliminated. I was back to asking “Which way should I go?”

• There have been many times I have been faced with walking blindly.
• There have been many times I have had to go places that seemed unknown.
• There have been many times I have been in an impossible situation that seemed like I would overwhelmingly fail.

In each instance I felt like giving up. I mean I had no help, no one to guide me and the odds seemed impossible. BUT GOD always had a different message.

• GOD said to me “Be strong for I brought you out of Egypt.”
• GOD said to me “Be strong for I have been with you every step of the way.”
• GOD said to me “Be strong for MY SPIRIT remains among you. Do not fear.”

I left out a part in each story. When I felt like giving up, GOD showed me the way. Inevitably a person would pop up and guide me to a better place. HE placed HIS servants all over the world and enabled me to be guided in places I never would have dreamed of. HE has led me to still waters and restored my soul.

• Do you feel lost?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you stop looking for the destination and seek GOD who will give you strength?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS direction and deliverance today?

Protection Wherever You Go

Jeremiah 45: ² “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: ³ You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ ⁴ But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. ⁵ Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’”

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Graffiti laced buildings seemed to spring up the deeper I traveled towards my destination. I stared out the window at broken glass, boarded buildings and beat up bums. This was my first day of school and I had to ride public transportation. I wondered if I would make it to school alive!

• There are times when fear gets the best of me.
• There have been times where I have had to face my fears.
• There have been situations that I would never have chosen to be in.

Looking back over many situations in my life, I say to myself, “Wow, I would never do that again!” But should I really say that? I mean the situation was not ideal; in fact many situations were quite difficult. BUT GOD brought me through each one!

• GOD has protected me all of my life.
• GOD has watched over me through very scary and difficult situations.
• GOD has allowed me to escape with my life during some very tenuous times.

Praise is all I can offer GOD for my life. Whether it was a car spinning sideways on an expressway or thugs robbing me, GOD was there protecting me through every step. HE has allowed me to travel to unknown places and return unharmed. HE is where I place my trust.

• Do you need protection?
• Are you going into the unknown?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS protection?

Fear Can Be Useful

Jeremiah 5: ²¹ Hear this, you foolish and senseless people,
    who have eyes but do not see,
    who have ears but do not hear:
²² Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord.
    “Should you not tremble in my presence?
I made the sand a boundary for the sea,
    an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.
The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail;
    they may roar, but they cannot cross it.

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Watching a cartoon, I saw the main character trying to make a decision. When the character tried to do what is right, a cartoon caricature of a demon would pop on their shoulder and try to convince them otherwise. Then a cartoon caricature of an angel would pop on and try to convince them to do what is right. Life seems like that sometimes. Temptation looks wonderful and makes me think twice about doing what is right.

• Sometimes I am tempted.
• Sometimes I think of things that are not righteous.
• Sometimes I see the wrong thing and desire it over the right things.

Boring was my classification of those who walked the straight and narrow. They always seemed to have frowns and looked miserable, meanwhile other people looked like they were having “fun.”  Isn’t life about ”fun?”  What about “my” fun?

• GOD says to me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD says to me “Should you not fear ME?”
• GOD says to me “Should you not tremble in MY presence?”

Fearing GOD means choosing HIS way over my way. It means serving instead of stealing. It means praying instead of prying. GOD wants me to bless others instead of begging for myself.

• Are you engulfed in fear trying to save yourself?
• Do you fear your job more than GOD?
• Will you stop fearing earthly situations and place your fear in GOD?

Overcoming the Unknown

Isaiah 42: ¹⁶ I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them.
¹⁷ But those who trust in idols,
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’
    will be turned back in utter shame.

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Scared was my first memory of school as my mother let go of my hand in preschool. Frightened was my first thought as I rode multiple busses to high school. Fearful was my first reaction as my father gave a driving lesson. Worried was my first thought as I ventured into the unknown after a long and glorious career.

• Sometimes the unknown can be scary.
• Sometimes the unknown can be frightening.
• Sometimes the unknown can be dark and rough.

Whenever I was frightened or worried or fearful I could not enjoy the moment. I turned good situations into bad and soon I was on a path of destruction. I mean if I never got over the stifling fear of the unknown then I could not get settled enough to enjoy my surroundings. How can I get over this?

• GOD says to me “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known” which means HIS knowledge will be imparted to me.
• GOD says to me “I will turn the darkness into light before them” meaning HE is the way the truth and the light for my path.
• GOD says to me “I will not forsake them” which means HE is the only one powerful enough to keep promises.

GOD knows I can get scared of the unknown. HE is not mad at me for being worried. HE knows I am blind and reaches out to grab my hand and lead me besides still waters and restores my soul. As long as I let HIM lead me, I will be just fine!

• Are you scared?
• Are you worried?
• Does the way you are going seem dark and mysterious?
• Can you allow GOD to lead you?
• Will you put your total trust in HIM today?

GOD’s Delight

Psalm 147: ¹⁰ His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
    nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
¹¹ the Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love.

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Fear is a misconception in the circles I roam. At work, rules were developed to instill fear of insubordination. In my old neighborhood fear was used to mark a territory, though I never quite understood that. Friends and family each had their fears and so did I. Fear of failure, embarrassment, losing stuff and more held me back or made me make decisions that were not filled with passion, rather they were tentative at best.

• My fear of the world blinds me.
• My fear of people makes me tread lightly.
• My fear of failure holds me back from trying.

Fear of people, losing stuff and jobs seem healthy to most, but to GOD it is not good. The more fear I have of the long list of phobias, the dimmer my eyes become. Soon, I cannot see GOD and HIS marvelous power. HE says have no fear, yet fear HIM. Is this confusing? No!

• GOD wants me to fear straying from HIM and falling into something that is powerless.
• GOD wants me to fear using my own power rather than plugging into HIS infinite power.
• GOD wants me to fear loving money or my neighbors stuff so I can look to GOD for my provision.

GOD is love not arrogant. HE is not an oppressor who demands fear like a bully or a conqueror. GOD wants me to understand that HE IS GOD. HIS power is infinite and should not be blown off. My worship should be pointed towards HIM and not myself. The more I seek HIS face, the deeper our relationship grows. HE provides wisdom and never fails to love me.

• Are you full of harmful fear?
• What is your fear and can you write it down on paper and tear it up so you can give it to GOD?
• Will you put your full trust in GOD by asking for a tiny amount of faith to be added to you daily?

Where it all starts

Psalm 128: ¹ Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
    who walk in obedience to him.
² You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
⁴ Yes, this will be the blessing
    for the man who fears the Lord.

⁵ May the Lord bless you from Zion;
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life.
⁶ May you live to see your children’s children—
    peace be on Israel.

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Zero words, zero advice came from my high school counselor, but I never asked the right question. I was told to “Go to college” so I did because I feared the future. No direction, no roadmap came from the college I graduated from, but I never asked for help. I was told by others to “Dress for success” and to be impressive in the interview, so I did because I feared not getting the job.

• Fear has driven many of my decisions.
• Fear has driven many of my questions about life.
• Fear has driven many of my mistakes and successes.

Blame was the first thought that came to mind when it came to a direction I chose. I mean, why wasn’t someone put in my path to simply tell me what to do so my fears would be taken care of? Some paths I chose felt right while others felt dreadfully wrong. Where does true success come from?

• GOD tells me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are all who fear the LORD.”
• GOD states “Do not fear those who can hurt the body but cannot hurt the soul. Fear the ONE who can destroy the soul.”

Fear of GOD means I need to hold HIM in the highest regard. HE needs to be number one in my life no matter what goes on around me. HE gets praise first and my plans need to be placed in front of HIM before I move forward. HIS direction, HIS path and HIS timing are all great in my mind and my fear needs to be channeled to pleasing HIM.

GOD is not needy or mean. HE simply wants me to stay away from anything that isn’t of HIM. Instead of fearing “stuff” I need to fear the LORD, this is the beginning of GOD’s blessing.

• Do you have fear in your life?
• Do your fears seem greater than your fear of GOD?
• Can you stop blaming GOD without fearing HIS consequence of complaining?
• Will you fear GOD today by seeking HIM first?

A Place to Put My Trust

Psalm 31: ¹ In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    deliver me in your righteousness.
² Turn your ear to me,
    come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress to save me.
³ Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
⁴ Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
    for you are my refuge.
⁵ Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

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Investments were new to me when one of my best friends’ father handed me a magazine teaching me how to invest. He mentioned retirement, buying a house and having money to do stuff. I was nervous because I hadn’t even thought about saving a penny. In fact, my friend and I were headed to a party that evening.

Years later I had saved up a mountain of cash and my attitude went to protection mode versus give. I became nervous at anything that threatened “my” wealth. I found myself worshipping less and working more. BUT GOD knew that.

• When I place my trust in money, it makes me forget how to have peace.
• When I place my trust in the in crowd, it makes me follow their lusts and change who I am.
• When I place my trust in insurance, security alarms, or firewalls it gives me a false sense of security that makes me forget a true need.

I met a man in another country who had his family, a hut, a cow and a lemon tree. He was truly at peace because he had all he needed, meanwhile I had money, fancy cars, and a huge network of people waiting to see if I would succeed or fail. I was the one who could not sleep. I had no peace. GOD wanted my mind somewhere else.

• GOD wants me to take refuge in HIM daily so I can have peace.
• GOD wants me to put aside all problems and focus on HIM for at least a moment so I can have peace.
• GOD wants me to stop playing my problems over and over and over again; slowing down to focus on HIM for just a moment each day.

Taking refuge to me is like when there is a tornado, I run and take shelter. I can run to my depleting cash, I can run to faithless people, I can run to insurance that rejects the claim or I can run to GOD. I chose GOD to quickly deliver me in HIS way in HIS time.

• Are you nervous?
• Where have you put your trust?
• What have you prayed for the most?
• Can you ask GOD for shelter during this storm?
• Will you ask GOD for HIS peace?

Feeling Secure

Job 31: ²⁴ “If I have put my trust in gold
    or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’
²⁵ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth,
    the fortune my hands had gained,
²⁶ if I have regarded the sun in its radiance
    or the moon moving in splendor,
²⁷ so that my heart was secretly enticed
    and my hand offered them a kiss of homage,
²⁸ then these also would be sins to be judged,
    for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.

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Reorg season number four was here and my biggest fear was upon me. I had no depth perception regarding the levels they would cut because I was one of them. I was absolutely speechless. I thought I would work at this place forever. In fact I worked day and night for this place, trying to “hold onto what I had.”

• Fear blinds me to what I’m supposed to be doing.
• Fear robs me of an abundant life.
• Fear grips me to the point where I try to play it safe, hiding so I won’t get cut.

In order for me to “feel secure” I had to have fear. I mean if I didn’t tie my shoes right or please the latest ego in charge then I could “lose my job.” In retrospect, this wasn’t security, it was bondage.

• GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM at all times.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge that I need HIM before I need money, titles or pleasure.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face on my job or business or home.

No matter where I am, I must seek GOD. I should acknowledge my fear and ask HIM to hold onto it for me. My security is in GOD so wealth that causes fear must depart. I’m not saying I should not be wealthy, but it’s the fear of losing wealth that must be removed. Everything is GOD’s and I need to understand that I am in a very wealthy family, namely JESUS CHRIST’s.

• Do you have gripping fear over your job?
• Are you extremely stressed out?
• Hove you lost your job and feel lost?
• Can you begin to put your trust in GOD today?
• Will you slowdown in order to hear GOD’s voice?

Keep Going in Spite of Fear

Ezra 3 ³ Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.

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⁶ On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid.

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¹⁰ When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel.

¹¹ With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:

“He is good;
    his love toward Israel endures forever.”

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

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Things looked quite pitiful for a while. Setback after setback it looked as if the project would never be done. We finally had to cut loose one part of the project that we struggled over because it just wasn’t coming to fruition. I remember being called into the president’s office and being asked, “Is this thing ever going to fly?” When I walked out of the office I could feel the tension from everyone around me. My boss said, “Keep going you are almost there.”

• Sometimes things around me seem grim.
• Sometimes situations I’m in seem lost.
• Sometimes my efforts seem fruitless and everyone around me is full of fear.

When things look grim it seems like more and more things go wrong. More things break and more those who oppose what I am doing seem to salivate at the calamity.  BUT GOD says not to react.

• GOD says keep going “For I am with you.”
• GOD says keep going “For MY burden is light.”
• GOD says keep going “For MY love is great for you and MY plan is to prosper you.”

We finished the project and everyone was rewarded heavily. It was a true success that made news. All of the nay-sayers and assassins had to back off. Only GOD brought me through the tough times and HE continues to this day.

• Are you facing a difficult time?
• Are you filled with fear?
• Can you follow GOD in spite of your fear?
• Will you continue to follow HIS leading and keep moving forward? 
• Can you praise GOD today for enabling you to take another step?

The Battle is Not Yours

2 Chronicles 20: ⁵ He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

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Worry on one side, fear on another, sleep escaped me and I was awake again. This was my pattern when something very “big” was going to happen. I would think about it and rethink it until I would get myself all keyed up in a tizzy.

• Sometimes I can’t see any fix to a problem.
• Sometimes I think I have no way out.
• Sometimes I think I have to fix everything with no tools, skills or resources.

Fear, doubt and worry come from me trying to fight my own battles. Sometimes it also comes from me fighting GOD. What can I do when I feel afraid?

• GOD says “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”
• GOD says “Do not be discouraged over something that seems huge.”
• GOD says “The battle is the LORD’s.”

GOD knows my fears, doubts and worries. HE even knows when I can’t let go of the think I am supposed to give to HIM.  HE relaxes me and sits me besides still waters. HE restores my soul.

• Are you worried?
• Do you doubt that GOD will not deliver you and that is causing you to be more anxious?
• Can you relax and know that GOD can AND will deliver you?
• Will you praise HIM today and allow HIM to do HIS work?

Growing Up

2 Kings 2:⁹ When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

¹⁰ “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”

¹¹ As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. ¹² Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

¹³ Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.¹⁴ He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

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Graduation had come and gone. As I stuffed ALL of my belongings in my car, I realized, “I am on my own.” I mean my parents used to tell me what to do, and then the university had my schedule pretty much locked up. But now, I had to figure things out myself.  “How am I going to do this?” I thought.

• GOD knows the unknown for which I’m walking.
• GOD holds my future.
• GOD executes HIS plan and has great thoughts for me.

Elisha asked for special gifts and abilities but was unsure that he received them. I can imagine how he felt when the person who was performing miracles was whisked away in a whirlwind. He probably felt like asking “Now what?” That’s the way my life is. I have started many new chapters and the script is never written for me. BUT GOD’s plan is awesome.

• GOD wants me to succeed.
• GOD wants me to be thoroughly blessed.
• GOD wants me to grow in HIM, trusting HIS ways and believing in HIS future.

The answer to “Now what” is an exciting adventure if I’m willing to accept the road of faith.

• Are you unsure of your future?
• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Can you start walking and let GOD guide your steps?
• Won’t you add TRUST and FAITH to your daily walk and let go of having to know everything?

Where Advice Comes From

2 Kings 1: ² Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, “Go and consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury.”

³ But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’

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“Should I…” are the words I have said on many occasions. The problem with these unsure words is that they were pointed in the wrong direction. “Should I sneak out of the house?’ was pointed at other teens who had done this and “gotten away with it.”

• Sometimes I seek advice from those who are not following GOD in order to join the crowd.
• Sometimes I seek advice from the fearful and they add their worries on me.
• Sometimes I seek advice from the rich and powerful in order to be more like them.

GOD’s way is definitely not my way. HE does not want me to bow down to gods of money, power and fame so the source of my advice should be different.

• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first so HE can say “No” or “Yes” to my request.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for everything since HE owns everything.
• GOD wants me to see if I am following HIS plan, not my own.

Even the tiniest decision can be run by GOD. HE can handle it. HE wants total dependence on HIM and reliance on HIS power. Authority is given once I ask GOD “what should I do in this situation?” When HE has first right of refusal then HIS guidance is far better than any human advice.

• Whose advice are you seeking?
• Do you check “churchy” advice by comparing it to what GOD says?
• In your prayers for situations and stuff, do you ask GOD “what do you want?”
• Can you seek what GOD wants for you today?

Sometimes my faith needs help

1 Samuel 23: ¹⁵ While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. ¹⁶ And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 

¹⁷ “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” ¹⁸ The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

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All I could think of was “Mud” and “Dust” and “The weak baby with the fly on its eye” as I answered the call to go on this particular missions trip.  I was scared out of my wits. When we had our first meeting, one of the leaders asked are there any concerns?

I, of course, raised my hand and began blurting out a list of questions expressing my obvious concern. One of the leaders told all of us “Do not be afraid. GOD will watch over us.”

• Sometimes I get afraid of the unknown.
• Sometimes I dream of what could go wrong with my comfortable life.
• Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if the worst happens.

I imagined sleeping in a bug infested hut and in reality we stayed in a nice home in a great city. The images I had seen from television placed a false view of the people I would be serving. My fear almost kept me from answering the call BUT GOD sent word through HIS servants.

• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD said to me “I will be with you.”
• GOD said to me “Serve MY people and you will be fine.”

I went on the trip and it was life changing. I saw extreme wealth and extreme poverty. I witnessed people starving to hear a message of hope and now I want to give that hope to many. I am glad GOD sent people to calm me down.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you fear the worst?
• Can you hear this message that GOD is with you and loves you dearly?
• Won’t you comfort a person who is nervous and tell them to “keep going?”

Fear makes me do dumb things

1 Samuel 21: ¹⁰ That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. ¹¹ But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances:

“‘Saul has slain his thousands,
    and David his tens of thousands’?”

¹² David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. ¹³ So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.

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Walking from one school to the next, a buddy and I chatted along the trek. We turned the corner and was met with a pack of street dogs. A couple of them began to growl. My friend took his book bag and waved it at the dogs. I on the other hand saw a tall bush, not a tree, a bush.

It was manicured with no branches at the bottom and flimsiness at the top. I quickly tried to escape in this thing to no avail. I had to join in on the fight.

• Fear makes me react on first impulse.
• Fear makes me think the worst is going to happen.
• Fear makes me play out suppositions in my mind that really aren’t true.

Fear makes me think things are disastrous. Even my shadow scares me when I’m fearful. I then start playing out “what would happen” scenarios and I go down a path that makes me even more fearful! BUT GOD says different.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM instead of being fearful.
• GOD wants me to give my fears to HIM in prayer.
• GOD wants me to agree HE is mighty and on my side so there is no need to have fear.

Many times I have feared the worst and GOD says to me “do not be afraid.” HE knows the situation seems bleak BUT HIS power is far greater than any situation I can face. HE understands my fear, worry or doubt and asks that I give to HIM “specifically” calling out the fear to HIM in prayer. HE then grants me peace that I don’t understand.

• Do you have fears?
• Are you afraid of a particular situation?
• Can you put your trust in HIM today?
• Won’t you mature in CHRIST by placing your faith in HIM?

GOD chooses some strange methods

1 Samuel 14: ⁶ Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

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“You have a great idea! Why don’t you run with it? But you don’t have any budget” were the words of the guy who was trying to trip me up.  The idea was huge and would require a lot of resources. I felt trapped.

• Sometimes when I face a giant circumstance I panic.
• Sometimes when I face a huge situation I get scared.
• Sometimes when I face a humongous obstacle I fall down and get tired of running.

After the trapped feeling was over, the LORD blessed me with a confusing peace. I made some phone calls and got people to volunteer their efforts in this huge undertaking. To my surprise, we were more than successful! I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised.

• GOD has all the power so I need to trust HIM.
• GOD has all the might so the situation has to bow to HIM.
• GOD has all the strength so the circumstance will be in trouble if it tries to get in the way of GOD’s plan.

Fear has a tendency to blind me and make me think there is no way out. GOD laughs at the circumstance because HIS might is incredible! HE provides manna and incredible dwelling places. His desire is peace and wants me to feel HIS love on a daily basis.

I can face the day without fear and know HE is my deliverance!

• Are you facing a giant?
• Do you realize the giant has to bow down to GOD?
• Can you look to GOD and be filled with courage this day?
• Won’t you stop groveling at the circumstance and get up because GOD is with you?